International adoptions come with a lot of paperwork, stress and waiting. The recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in China may have put a stop to the process. Yet, adoption agencies say that's not the case.
For Corrie and Jim Merklein, a decision to adopt a child from China is a little more complicated now, but as strong as ever.
Adoptive families like the Merkleins are in demand for Asian children. Holt International, an agency that sets up families with foreign children, says SARS hasn't stopped anyone so far from traveling to China to pick up a child.
The Merkleins have been waiting for 10 months already and once they get a referral this summer, they say they'll just take the necessary precautions for travel. They are hoping for a baby girl.
